Time takes its toll on the heart. Sometimes it cannot pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body and into its major organs. The resulting shortness of breath or difficulty catching your breath is known as congestive heart failure (CHF). Even though there are several possible causes of congestive heart failure, age is a major contributor. An estimated 5 million Americans suffer from CHF and the frequency of this disease doubles with every 10 years of life, according to eMedicineHealth. Since many seniors have other medical issues with similar symptoms they must become familiar with the warning signs of CHF.
Major Symptoms
Congestive heart failure is characterized by three specific symptoms. Those suffering from CHF have difficulty exercising or engaging in other forms of physical activity, such as routine household chores. This is because the heart is unable to pump the blood needed to produce the necessary nutrients. Problems breathing, retaining fluid (and subsequent weight gain) and swelling of the legs and feet are other telltale signs.
Symptoms of Right Side Failure
If the right side of the heart falls victim to CHF an individual will experience edema (or swelling from fluid buildup) in any area of the body. The swelling develops when blood is ineffectively pushed to the lungs causing the blood to accumulate in the veins. The legs and ankles are most commonly affected. Pay particular attention to this swelling when it occurs in the elderly.
Symptoms of Left Side Failure
Congestive heart failure that affects the left side will lower the amount of gas exchange in the lungs. This causes blood to accumulate in the lungs which, in turn, reduces how much oxygen is transported to other organs. Shortness of breath and a phlegm-producing cough are symptomatic of left side CHF.
Other Signs
Congestive heart failure shows itself in different ways, depending on the individual and the extent to which the rest of their body is affected or involved. An overabundance of fluid may commonly result in lethargy, anemia, decreased appetite, erratic pulse, coughing, increased weight, problems urinating, decline in cognitive functioning and/or an unsettled stomach. Since CHF is a chronic condition the intensity of these symptoms may fluctuate.
